Monday, October 18, 2010

I'm not really sure how to start this post, as this is an incredibly difficult post for me to write, one that I've put off writing for a bit. I have a lot I want to say, but I'll start with the most obvious and maybe go backwards from there.

This blog, Tree of Life, is going the way of our old tree form. OMG the irony! Heh. But seriously, this blog is going where resto druid blogs go to hibernate. Wherever that is, I'm sure Phaelia, Bell, and Amanna (do some of you guys remember Amanna from way back in the day?) will welcome me with branchy arms. :)

For the last couple of weeks, I've actually taken a break from the game. As I shared with my guildies, I have some other aspects of my life that I need to focus on right now. I last raided with the guild over two weeks ago and those last raids were incredibly hard for me. Tears were literally streaming down my cheeks and I think some people died because their grid boxes got a little blurry. Oops.

I think the incredible draw of WoW for so many of us is how sneakily it brings in this social network and real meaningful friendships, right inside your house. It's incredible how you end up talking to your friends and guildies in game more often than you talk to your closest friends. It was incredibly difficult for me to imagine not having that.

So my break from the game started early this month but I wanted to think very carefully about what I wanted to do with this blog before making any rash decisions. I guess I just wanted to make sure that things felt right. It's a decision that is still very hard for me, but I know it's the right one to make right now. I guess my head says I need to do it, but my heart is a little sad. I was a little concerned that I was so sad over closing this blog, but then again I guess stopping something after doing it for over 3 years, no matter what that is, is a bit of a change.

Now in terms of the break from WoW, while I was initially kind of worried about it, it's actually turned out really well. As I told Jess the other night, I'm really really happy right now. Things are good, and it has seemed like my life and various opportunities have opened up to fill the space that WoW used to occupy. Who knows, maybe they were always there and I can just see them clearly now. But this doesn't mean that I don't miss the guildies tremendously, because I do. :(

Jess has known for the last couple of months that I was struggling with this decision. In discussing it, we talked about this whole concept of real life and online life. I'm not sure it's completely right to say that I decided I was going to focus on real life right now. Because who is to say that my online life wasn't "real"? The incredible relationships, the camaraderie within the guild... damn straight it's all real, damn it!!! (Could I say damn one more time?!?! Hmmm) Perhaps as this whole MMO phenomenon develops over time, there will be less of a distinction between real life and online life, and that your online life is just a part of your real life. I think that's the balance I need to find for myself right now.

Am I going to come back for Cataclysm? I don't know, but I hope that I do. Part of my reasoning for this break is to just experience my life without WoW for a while so that if I do come back for Cataclysm I can play it with a better sense of balance, a balance within a fuller and richer life, if that makes any sense. Will I start blogging again if I come back for Cataclysm? I've learned that you can never say never, so really I don't know.

While I know I don't do any sort of serious posts here, I think I've also spent too much time reading other blogs and trying to finding stuff I find humorous to post about here. I think if I do come back for Cata, the time spent playing WoW should be enough. We'll see. It's hard though because I've really fallen in love with this blog and blogging. So much so that yes, I am going to start a personal blog where I can continue to crack myself up with completely random stuff and not have to try to relate it to WoW somehow. I'll probably end up sharing some more personal stuff on there as well.

To my guildies, thanks for creating an incredible family. I'm so glad that while we had some minor ups and downs that we generally always kept the mindset of a group of friends hanging out together through raiding. I've also loved that you guys read and commented on this blog. And to Jess, you know what you've meant and continue to mean to me. When I think about WoW, this old screenshot is what will always come to mind:

So thank you to everyone who has read or commented over the years. I've really loved being a part of the WoW blogosphere and having those familiar names pop up on my comments. I don't kid myself at all and think that this blog made anyone play WoW better or provided any real game strategy beyond blaming all bad things on the tanks (t'is true! It's a good strategy!). I guess what I do hope is that I made you guys laugh.

40 comments:

This is very sad news :(. I have greatly enjoyed all of the posts you have done on your blog. However, I understand that sometimes taking a step back from something so time-consuming is healthy. So good luck in your future endeavors and thank you for everything you have given to the community.

I know that I've already given you my thoughts on this, and that I 100% fully support your decision here. I think it's fantastic.

That being said, that doesn't mean that it's still sad to see you go. Actually - in reading this post it strikes me that it's sadder than I thought it would be.

Take care of yourself, and I truly hope that you find the balance that you are looking for! I will never, ever, forget all of the laughs and snark that we shared. 10 years from now, I am fairly confident that some of that snark will still bring a grin to my face.

I stopped playing for a year or two, as well, and it actually got better when I came back. For a while I was actually very happy on my own 'reboot'. So we may see you again, very true. I will be glad if that does happen.

Looking to the immediate right of this text box is a part of your blogroll entitled "Retired WoW Blogs." Spooky.

All the very best K with whatever you decide to do in real life or in play life. I have very much enjoyed reading your posts and will miss them. I'll keep you in my reader list, just in case you feel like posting something to let us all know you are still about :)

I will definitely miss your posts :( Take care and enjoy yourself; I hope all goes well with whatever goals and dreams and difficulties you may be struggling with. Just remember that we're all out here, across the world, wishing the best for you!

I hate to hear that you are taking a break because I'll miss the great sense of humor your blog brings. However, I understand the need for the balance you mentioned. I wish you the best, and I hope that things play out so that you can enrich your life, and return to playing/blogging about WoW.

Oh, Plant-Girl. What to do with you, hmm? I really wish I had run into you all sooner. It's been an honor watching over the others with you, and damn... we were so good at it! I'll admit it, though. You were the better healer. I will miss you so.

Don't worry, I will keep my promise when I go a certain somewhere. Perhaps you'll even be back when I return, who can say? Regardless, I am going to miss you, K. Be good, and may the Light watch over you and yours.

::hugging Keredria:: I'll miss your insight, your humor, your stories of achievements with your guild, the way you encouraged me to try being a bear for awhile, and lots of little things that I can't even bring to mind right now. But absolutely, real life does come first, we all know that.

You take care, don't be a stranger and if WoW becomes a part of your life again down the line, you'll likely be able to put it in the place that fits best...

It's sad to see you go, but you've apparently thought this through and you know you're doing the right thing. So this is where our paths will divide. We all knew it would happen at some point and nevertheless: I hate the breakups with bloggers I like.I wish you luck and sunshine in your real life adventure.and if you ever feel to pop by and have a pint you know where to find me.

As the only blogger that I share a server with, you will definitely be missed. Always enjoyed seeing you in Wintergrasp and then setting fire to you! (Not that trees ever seem to actually burn, what's up with that?...can't kill those dang resto druids...)

If you were ever wondering who that warlock was that waved, just before immolating, conflagrating and incinerating you right before you're 8,000 Alliance pals sent me to another ignominious death, that was me! I will definitely miss a familiar face amongst the futility that is Horde Wintergrasp on Drenden. Best of luck!

Aww.... thank you guys so very much for all the incredibly nice comments and well wishes (and yes, even the tree jokes!) You all have just shown why it's so hard for me to leave the blogosphere community.

@Nicolause: I love that this blog brought you to our guild and for that I am grateful!

"Wait, I know you. You read my blog, right?" Was what you first replied to my whispered hello, many many moons ago when I first hopped on to Drenden. The ability of blogging connections to lead to all sorts of things, including friendships that extend far beyond Azeroth, has been a most unexpected, rewarding, and happy consequence of this journey we've all taken.

I shall truly miss Tree Of Life. I hope you have enjoyed writing it as much as I have enjoyed reading it.

I've really enjoyed reading your musings, resto druid info, and updates on TLC ...especially as my life has headed in a completely non-WOW direction of late. Whatever your decision regarding Cata, know that you have friends in the RL who you can contact whenever you desire. The game is the game. The relationships we have built transcend it.

Wow there are just so many things about my penis I have yet to tell you. LOL!

Anywho it's been a pleasure reading, and commenting on your blog. You are always a good sport, and made me laugh. When so many bloggers despised me, and ridiculed me, you always saw the bigger picture, and never abandoned me. You knew it was all in the name of fun, and entertainment.

You live in my neck of the woods, so if you do the facebook thing feel free to add me if you wish to stay in touch..."River Hasnoliver"

That's my full name. ;)If not don't be a stranger..

I hope you do come back at Cataclysm, I hope you enjoy your life, and come back refreshed and ready to kick Deathwings butt.

You have earned a permenant spot on my blogroll, and will remain there in honor until my blog comes to an end.